Why read random old books?
Reading random old books is a journey into the unexpected—a portal to forgotten worlds, lost wisdom, and voices that once shaped history.
Picking up an obscure, timeworn volume isn't just reading—it's an act of exploration, a rebellion against the limits of your comfort zone. If you want discovery, mystery, and the thrill of the unknown, crack open a random old book. You may never see the world the same way again.
They will surprise you
Reading random book is like stepping through an unseen door—you never know what awaits. The words on the page refuse to conform to expectations, pulling you into a world stranger, deeper and more surprising than you imagined.
They will challenge you
Reading old books is a test of patience and perspective. The language feels unfamiliar, ideas clash with modern sensibilities, and cultural contexts demand decoding. But that challenge sharpens the mind—forcing you to wrestle with history, question assumptions, and navigate forgotten ways of thinking.
They will expand your mind
Random old books can unlocking hidden doors to knowledge you never knew you needed. They broaden your understanding and, in many cases, the more unexpected the book, the more you learn.
Bookshop and live events
Browse our collection of random old books and hear from random old authors!
Visit our bookshop
At our bookshop in Book Town, every visit is an adventure, with bookshelves lined with random old books, waiting to surprise and inspire you. We don't organise our books by genre or title, so you can experience the thrill of discovery, the joy of serendipity, and the chance to stumble upon a story you never knew you needed.
Come to our events
We regularly invite authors to share their experiences at intimate, engaging events in our bookshop. Over an hour or so, they talk about the struggles and triumphs behind their writing, offering a glimpse into the creative process. Whether you're an avid reader or an aspiring writer, these sessions promise fresh perspectives and fascinating stories.
Upcoming events list
| Author | Famous Book | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Blogs | Wind in the Windmill | 30/06/25 |
| Susan Smith | Pride or Pancakes | 09/07/25 |
| Alan McAdam | War and Peas | 18/09/25 |
| Claire Kingham | Catch-23 | 27/09/25 |
Book an event
Choose an event from the events list and book your place now, before they're all gone!
Subscription Box
Tired of predictable reads? Let fate deliver your next literary adventure right through your door.
Get your regular dose of randomness
We select a random old book
Every month we'll select a random old book just for you, and it will always be a book we haven't sent you before.
We send it through your letterbox
Our subscription boxes are slim enough to fit through a standard letterbox, so you never have to wait in when it's due to arrive.
You enjoy an amazing adventure
When your subscription box arrives, you'll find inside your next adventure into science, romance, history or who knows what else!
Satisfaction guaranteed
- Your first book free: Sign-up and get your first subscription box free! We'll only bill you after 30 days, giving you plenty of time to cancel if you're not completely happy.
- Cancel anytime: We offer a simple monthly subscription so you can cancel at any time and you won't be billed again.
- Fixed price: Our subscription box costs just £10 per month, including delivery, and we never raise prices for existing subscribers!
Get your free brochure
Enter your details below and we'll email you a copy of our glossy subscription box brochure, which you can browse and order from at your leisure: